How to use dual hinged vs single hinged catchers mitt

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JRG

Aug 2, 2017
17
3
Hi,
Been reading for over a year now and thought I would post because I can't quite get an answer to a question I have. My daughter currently has a single hinged catchers mitt and we are currently breaking in a Nokona with a dual hinge design. With the dual hinge, should the glove be broken in equally (flexes and closes easily and the same) on both sides of the hinge at the heal? Or, is the hinge side of the heal closest to the fingers (furthest away from the thumb) be the primary break point for when the glove closes?

I ask, because closing it on the hinge furthest away from the thumb makes it act like a traditional single hinged mitt, but closing it using both hinges at the same time makes the pocket act totally different! Just wanting to break it in correctly and get a full understanding of how to use a dual hinged mitt.

Any help or feedback is greatly appreciated!
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Bring your thumb and index finger together - single hinge
Bring your thumb and pinky together - dual hinge

For a dual hinge, both hinge breaks should be fairly equal in flexibility. Additionally, it helps a lot to have some softness in the area between the hinges.
 
Last edited:

JRG

Aug 2, 2017
17
3
Thanks for the confirmation on the break points of the dual hinge. We have begun to break in both hinges (make them flexible equally) on the mitt. Since my daughter has spent the last 3 years catching (she is 12U now) with a single hinge, should I have her begin practicing on closing it using both hinges or just let nature take its course on how the glove will close when the ball hit it?

I have noticed that if I put my thumb deep into the hand stall it is easier to close it like it is a single hinge, but if I put my hand into the stall more on the shallow side with my thumb not so deep it makes it easier to close it using both hinges. Should I teach her a certain way with the new glove? I have seen that closing it using both hinges makes the pocket much bigger in the glove.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
Something to be aware of...a dual hinge break may be very difficult for smaller hands.

Especially with a dual hinge glove, I'm a big advocate of using the finger-shift. When I show kids how to do it, they always say "it feels weird", but once they adapt to the feeling, they are hooked. So much more leverage to close the glove!
 

JRG

Aug 2, 2017
17
3
Its the Nokona L-V3250. 32.5" The Legend Pro. I've been slowing breaking it in for about 2 months now. Some pounding, little bit of Nokona conditioner and lots of flexing and just playing catch and wrapping it with a softball in the pocket every night. I think it is about 75% ready to go now, but may take up to a 1/2 season using it during practices to get it perfrect. My daughter is only 12U but about 5'6" and 125lbs. She is tall for her age and medium build but very strong. She has no problem closing mitts. Her current mitt is a Mizuno Samurai Catchers Mitt with a single hinge. This Nokona thing is really more about Daddy/Daughter time. It's kind of my hobby as I want to teach her the value of good equipment and the slow process it may take to properly break it in and how show will be rewarded with many years of use vs the soft, pre-broken in gloves off the shelf. I have enjoyed teaching her how to break it in so far!
 
Jul 29, 2013
6,782
113
North Carolina
^^^^Not the biggest Nokona fan, but if I was ever to buy one, it would definitely be the Legend series. The Sandstone leather is the real deal! When I asked earlier about which model, I just went and looked at Nokona mitts at JBG, looks like they only make dual hinged mitts. As far as how she wears it, or how she breaks it in....don't sweat it or overthink it. Let her use it and wear it the way it's most comfortable to her!

I know you said she's playing 12U but she sounds like a big strong girl, where most girls have the biggest issue is backhanding a ball with a new glove, especially with a leather like Sandstone. Eric mentioned finger shift, or two in the pinkie (TIP). This will definitely help with leverage as he said and promote closing thumb to pinkie. But, and this may not be the case with this particular mitt, every Nokona mitt I've ever played with had minimum padding, TIP will help get that index finger more out of the way if you guys have a pitcher on the team who can really bring it, especially as she gets older.

And, I really liked reading your post above about Daddy/DD time, welcome to the forum!
 

JRG

Aug 2, 2017
17
3
That is the wrap I am using at night, accept I have the "hot glove" version. I wrap it then spread that slit/opening around the pocket area on the outside of the glove to help shape and form it better around the ball inside.
 
May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
I addition to the Miz wrap thingy, I have been known to stuff gloves between couch cushions (with a ball in the pocket). I have an All-Star fielders glove in our family room couch right now.
 

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